patrikc: I like how difficult the game is in the beginning, I feel it sends a strong message to the player. And I also like the fact that there are various opinions as to who is the most challenging foe in Chapter I. For me it would have to be Letho by far - you described him very well. Once I learned his moves/patterns, it was just a thing of synchronisation. He is a bit on the OP side, arguably more than the Kayran (which, I have to say, is my least favourite fight in the entire series). I won't spoil it, but you are in for an interesting story.
Geralt's progression from this point on (Chapter II) will be evident and the combat more enjoyable.
Ah, do be thorough in your exploration, it is possible at one point you will meet a very interesting character. Be prepared is all I can say.
The Witcher 2 is one of the games that will give you a proper beating if you are not planning beforehand. I think it has an unforgiving, unique world, a solid story, enjoyable quests, interesting characters driven by believable reasons.
Not my favourite entry in the series, but in certain aspects it tops Wild Hunt. I recall only one moment of genuine relaxation throughout the second game, it speaks volumes about its overall tone. Grim and dangerous, but such a memorable experience. Definitely recommended.
Have fun!
Before I forget, are you going for a Swordsmanship or Magic build?
Yes, I do quite like a challenge and I appreciate the increased difficulty. I also agree that the tone of the game is good - 'grim and dangerous is right'. With many of the 'rank and file' enemies being genuinely dangerous, it makes exploring the forest in chapter 1 and the gullies in chapter 2 feel quite intense, which I like as well.
Although, I felt that the difficulty in the first chapter was a bit 'hit and miss'. As another example: in the abandoned hospital, I found getting through the specters to be quite hard, but then the Nilfgaardian ghost was a complete joke. Geralt could have literally danced about with his pants down in that fight and never would have gotten hit. The arachas was also disappointingly easy. You can pretty much sit back, light up a cigarette and let Zoltan take it out for you (ok, perhaps I'm exaggerating a little).
At the end of the first chapter I was thinking "eh, this is pretty much a 3-star game". Although, my opinion of it is improving now I'm getting into chapter 2. They story and characters seem to be getting a lot more interesting, and the combat less frustrating.
Thanks for the tip about exploring in C2, I have been trying to do that and it seems there are a good few places to explore, which is nice (the area design seems better than C1 as well). In terms of development, I'm ignoring magic and splitting my points roughly evenly between swordsmanship and alchemy. I also took Roche's path at the branching point in C1.
Another of my (quite many) criticisms of the game is how much more powerful bombs and traps seem to be, compared to Geralt's sword. I mean, I get that they are 1-use items, but the sword is supposed to be Geralt's primary weapon (I see him as a swordsman, rather than a bomber/trapper). Also, using the sword involves going in close to enemies, which entails much more risk of taking damaging blows, so imo the sword is quite under-powered and yet another questionable balance decision. One of the alchemy skill-ups also doubles the (already high) damage of the bombs and traps, which is insane. There is nothing comparable to that for the sword (that I saw).